Kapitel

• FrontmatterGetzinger, Günter; Jahrbacher, Michaela; Prună, Roman; 10.3217/978-3-99161-033-5-000
• Using software for Research: The Role of Transparency, Reputation and Compliance in Practicing TrustHartstein, Judith; Schniedermann, Alexander; Schwichtenberg, Nathalie; 10.3217/978-3-99161-033-5-001What makes researchers trust in software? We propose that some - but not all - considerations before software-for-research use are disciplinary practices. The representative DZHW Science Survey provided us with n ~ 1,300 complete responses from researchers about their considerations preceding software use. On this data, we performed multiple and simple correspondence analyses to explore patterns concerning trust in research software. According to multiple correspondence analysis, the relevance of considerations in general is an in-participant characteristic. With simple correspondence analysis, we find that transparency-related considerations are disciplinary practices, while reputationrelated considerations are shared across disciplines. We gained mixed results on compliance-related considerations. We suggest that infrastructure designers should be aware of the pre-established relevance of software-literacy-related and methods-related considerations in some fields as opposed to others.
• Between the Lines: Exploring Science Narratives in Bulgarian Mass Media through Embedded Topic Modeling and Sentiment AnalysisZdravkov, Svetlomir; Ivanov, Martin Jordanov; 10.3217/978-3-99161-033-5-002In Bulgaria, as in many other countries in Eastern Europe, the status of science in society changed rapidly after the fall of the Iron Curtain, which created an unfavorable environment for the development of the public image of science. This study explores the coverage of science related news in Bulgarian mass media from 2018 to 2023, using embedded topic modeling and sentiment analysis on over 1.7 million articles from seven major outlets with varying editorial profiles. The findings reveal that science related news is around 0,89% of total news. Also, there is significant variability in science coverage, influenced by each outlet's ideological orientation. Media with liberal and pro-European orientations prioritize scientific topics, while mainstream and government-supporting outlets show the least emphasis. Key topics include "Politics and Science", "Human Health and Biology" and "Astrophysics." Sentiment analysis highlights negative perceptions of climate change and positive views on astrophysics and technological advancements. The paper concludes with speculative explanations of these results. It notes that the results could be explained by a shift towards regulatory science in the Bulgarian context, where some scientific topics are increasingly seen as a tool for managing risks and informing policy.
• Trust in Science? Revisiting Participatory Science and Framing Knowledge as a GiftSörgel, Franziska; 10.3217/978-3-99161-033-5-003This article critically examines the intricate dynamics of trust in (open) science. Drawing from observations in participatory formats, such as citizen dialogues during the Karlsruhe Institute for Technology’s Science Week, the article identifies a tendency among scientists to withhold certain forms of knowledge, particularly negative knowledge. Inspired by Marcel Mauss’ theory of the gift, it explores how reframing trust as a reciprocal and moral transaction can offer valuable insights into fostering transparent and equitable knowledge exchange practices. Through a nuanced exploration of reciprocity and transparency, the article challenges conventional notions of scientific trust and highlights the ethical dimensions of knowledge sharing. Ultimately, it aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of trust in science and promote more ethical and inclusive knowledge exchange practices in contemporary scientific inquiry.
• Antecedents of Virus Conspiracy BeliefsSuerdem, Ahmet; Ivanov, Martin Jordanov; Zdravkov, Svetlomir; 10.3217/978-3-99161-033-5-004Problem: The COVID-19 "infodemic," marked by a mix of accurate and misleading information, significantly disrupted public health responses by promoting confusion, risky behaviors, and distrust in health authorities. Misinformation, including incorrect prevention tips and conspiracy theories about the virus's origins and vaccine efficacy, fueled public skepticism and led to widespread non-compliance with health guidelines. This environment highlighted the role of conspiracy beliefs, which thrive during crises as individuals seek certainty and control, ultimately rejecting scientific advice and exacerbating public health challenges. The study aims to examine the relationship between virus conspiracy beliefs and various individual and country-level variables, to develop better communication strategies and policies for effectively managing public behavior during health crises. Methods: This study utilizes multilevel modeling to analyze data from the Eurobarometer 95.2 survey, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic across 39 countries. The hierarchical structure of the data allows for the examination of both individual and country-level variables influencing virus conspiracy beliefs. The primary dependent variable is the belief in the statement "Viruses have been produced in government laboratories to control our freedom." Independent variables include individual coping mechanisms for uncertainty, levels of scientific knowledge, and attitudes towards science, which are assessed to determine their impact on forming conspiracy beliefs during a crisis. Moderators such as attitudes towards science and maternal education are also included to analyze their influence on these beliefs. Discussion: Findings suggest that individuals' values towards faith or science significantly influence their susceptibility to virus conspiracy beliefs (VCB), particularly under conditions of uncertainty. Those who prioritize faith remain stable in their beliefs, while those who value science may increase in conspiracy beliefs when faced with existential threats. It highlights the necessity of tailoring science communication and public health strategies to diverse value systems and cultural contexts to combat misinformation effectively. Additionally, the effectiveness of educational interventions 67 varies with familial and socio-cultural backgrounds, emphasizing the need for customized approaches to enhance scientific literacy and critical thinking across different demographic groups.
• Some narratives constructed by German MPs regulating digital innovationWucherer, Sebastian; 10.3217/978-3-99161-033-5-005This contribution investigates the narrative work being done by members of parliament (MP) of the German Bundestag in parliamentary speeches concerned with legislation on digital technologies. Bringing together the book Code and other Laws of Cyberspace by Lawrence Lessig and narratives as conceptual lens, I focus on some selected narratives and some conflicts they make apparent. A general underlying struggle between the allegedly right levels of chaos and order could be identified and broken up into several sub-narratives. The paper shows how, in trying to craft coherent narratives, MPs find themselves caught up in difficult dilemmas of trying to balance out some dimensions of state sovereignty like societal wellbeing and economic success. I argue that political work may benefit from taking up traditionally unusual narratives and ensure conceptually richer and more reflected debates within and about digitalisation in parliamentary processes.
• Towards a method for exploring meaningful explanations of algorithmic processester Halle, Igor; de Vries, Pascal; 10.3217/978-3-99161-033-5-006In an era where algorithmic processes increasingly influence our daily lives, the need for comprehensible explanations of these processes is growing. This paper introduces the development of a methodological approach to explore the possibilities for meaningful explanations of algorithmic processes. Utilizing both theoretical frameworks and empirical case studies, this study aims to bridge the gap between algorithmic complexity and user understanding. The proposed method emphasizes transparency and accessibility, supporting policymakers and technology designers in creating more insightful and accountable technological applications. Key findings from this research highlight the critical role of interdisciplinary approaches in shaping effective explanation mechanisms, which are essential for fostering an ethically responsible integration of technology into society.
• Navigating Time, Scale and Identities in Facilitation of Regional DevelopmentFredricson, Magnus; 10.3217/978-3-99161-033-5-007Facilitating regional development becomes increasingly demanding as complexity grows and multi-level and multi actor governance is required to achieve transformational change moving away from fossil dependence and enabling neoindustrialisation. Meta governance is a “practice by (mainly) public authorities that entails the coordination of one or more governance modes by using different instruments, methods, and strategies to overcome governance failures” (Gjaltema et al., 2020). In Skaraborg, a sub-region of Region Västra Götaland in West Sweden a common energy supply plan is being established through a joint decision of 15 municipalities. The municipalities are also establishing energy plans as mandated by law, and some are developing plans for wind power. The more than 20 energy companies serving the region are also driving parts of the transition. This multi-actor, multi-level context is understood as complex and non-linear (Mowles, 2016) where relations of power and negotiation is central. As an industrial PhD-candidate the question of what I am trying to do is multi-layered. On the one hand I am trying to prevent the loss of jobs in Skaraborg, and even enable new ones being added by addressing lack of electricity. This, in turn, supposedly safeguards tax income for the municipalities ensuring funding for schools, nursery homes and more. On the other hand my hope is that the contributions of the article will impact, and speed up, regional development and transition in other places. The purpose of the research is to enable more productive planning and decision making through a widened discourse. This article presents initial interpretations of the transition of energy systems in Skaraborg and West Sweden. Strategies based in existential sustainability are then employed to enhance the productivity of the facilitation, including re-scaling, temporal aspects and a deepened understanding of identities.
• Urban Labyrinth: Accessibility and 15-Minute CitiesDivasson Jaureguibarria, Asier; Aguayo, Armando; Macarulla, Ana M.; Garcia, J. Ignacio; Borges, Cruz E.; 10.3217/978-3-99161-033-5-008The "15-minute city" concept aims to enhance urban sustainability by ensuring that residents can access essential services, employment, and recreational opportunities within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their homes. While this model offers numerous benefits, such as improved accessibility and reduced car dependency, it has faced criticisms regarding potential marginalization of individuals with reduced mobility and those in less densely populated areas. Concerns have also been raised about the variables used to define the concept and potential exclusions based on walking speed. Despite these challenges, the 15-minute city model is gaining global traction, with significant support from urban leaders, planners, and the European Union, which is funding initiatives to implement this model across Europe. This study investigates the practical application of 15-minute city principles in various urban environments within the Basque Country, revealing that denser cities exhibit greater disparities in service access based on demographic factors like gender and age. The findings suggest that while the concept holds transformative potential, it may necessitate redefinition to address issues of exclusion and inclusivity, highlighting the importance of incorporating alternative transport modes and adapting the model to diverse urban contexts.
• From Lived Bodies to Inclusive Interfaces: Plessner, Feminist Standpoint Theory, and Gender Inclusive Design SynergiesReinhardt, Charlotte; 10.3217/978-3-99161-033-5-009This article displays the potential of the combination of Helmuth Plessner’s Philosophical Anthropology and Donna Haraway’s concept of Situated Knowledges for Feminist Product Design processes. It is shown that Haraway can be used to argue for a product design, that takes materiality into account to prevent the reproduction of a male dominated technology design. By following this line of argument, the role of the body in a product design process is being strengthened. To maximise the analytical acuity Helmuth Plessner’s Philosophical Anthropology is being introduced, for it allows the distinction of three spheres of the human being: Leib (lived body), Körper (body) and Person (persona). It is shown, that during the process of subjectivation every sphere is being gendered in a different way. The article finishes by analysing each of them in terms of their significance for human-technology interaction.
• Gender+ in nanotechnology. A practical experience.Bencivenga, Rita; Colombara, Diego; Leone, Cinzia; 10.3217/978-3-99161-033-5-010The experience described refers to an EU-funded research and innovation project on nanotechnology, REusable MAsk Patterning, (REMAP), financed by the European Commission PathFinder Open programme and aimed at formulating a novel class of bifunctional composite fluids called magnetorheological electrolytes. The inclusion of a gender+ perspective in the research project is not obvious given the research areas investigated in the project and the hypotheses to be tested. However, even if the initial technological readiness level (TRL) of the research is low, this research is ultimately expected to have a disruptive impact on society. It is therefore crucial that the relevant hypotheses and methods are free of gender bias from the outset. The inclusive Gender Equality Plan of the University of Genoa, Italy, implements a group of activities at project level, the Project Gender+ Action Plan (P-GAP), which integrates gender+ in the work plan of R&I projects and tries to fulfil the EU requirement to include a gender+ perspective in all phases of research. Therefore, REMAP foresees the implementation of several micro-actions that also relate to the project’s dissemination and outreach activities. The initiative aims to overcome the resistance to the implementation of a gender+ perspective in STEM disciplines and to create a fruitful and positive cross-fertilisation between STEM and social sciences, especially gender and diversity studies. The next step is to consolidate this initiative at local level and through collaboration with other EU-funded projects.
• Co-creating a 3D Printed Prosthesis Design using an Intersectionality LensThaler, Anita; Fink, Sascha; Krainer, Daniela; Schubert, Peter; Heim, Rosmarie; Bosch, Julian; Rockenbauer, Thomas; Sauer, Michael; Sepin, Matthias; 10.3217/978-3-99161-033-5-011The ongoing project PROTEA1 aims to improve the fit and acceptance of lower leg prostheses by optimizing the prosthetic design using 3D printing and integrating sensors to monitor pressure distribution of the residual limb to identify and localize potential problems, such as pressure or chafing points, in advance. This goal is pursued since 2022 with a human-centred, gender- and diversity-sensitive, participatory technology design. For this, a transdisciplinary team comprising engineering, physical therapy, orthopaedic technology, psychology, movement sciences and gender studies regularly meets and co-creates knowledge in online and face-to-face settings. The gender-sensitive, continuous and iterative involvement of stakeholders and potential users is the base for technology development and influences decisions regarding specific designs. The intersectional perspective of the gender approach of PROTEA became most visible in a use case decision workshop, where the team decided on which user group they would like to focus on. For this co-creation workshop, empirical results of user and stakeholder interviews and focus groups as well as literature analysis were translated into diverse conditions and challenges of respective target groups, and questions around potential ethical and societal consequences were raised. In this paper we will present the sociotechnical framework of PROTEA, comprising a detailed requirement analysis which led to the development of personas and a set of technical and user-driven requirements. These results are being used by engineers who are currently working on a 3D-printed outer and inner socket of a lower leg prosthesis and the placing of pressure sensors within the inner shaft.
• Gender Relations in Sociotechnical Energy Transition: Heating System Change Motivations and Negotiations among Couples in Single HomesWolffram, Andrea; 10.3217/978-3-99161-033-5-012The energy transition as one of the most challenging sociotechnical transformations processes of our time is lacking gender sensitive reflection and shaping. In a qualitative pilot study about the reasons behind the decision to install renewable energy systems in the home and the impact on household-related practices of homeowners, the couple dynamics and positioning strategies towards renewable technologies are analysed. The study shows that, on the one hand, positioning strategies enable ‘doing gender’ and, on the other hand, that these strategies differ according to the different technology-related action resources and competence attributions among homeowner couples. The results are reflected in the theoretical framework of an actorcentred sociotechnical transformation. The article concludes with considerations for the resulting implications for practice and for further research informed by gender theory.
• Navigating Complexity: Managing Multi-faceted Changes in India's Transport SectorDutt, Dwarkeshwar; 10.3217/978-3-99161-033-5-013In roughly the last two decades, new policy objectives like net-zero, developing industrial competence in emerging green technologies, and reducing fuel import dependence have been added over already existing ones like meeting growing fuel demand and air quality improvement to India’s transport sector policy mix. To realize these multiple objectives, several alternative fuels and powertrains (AF&P) are being promoted. However, weaving multiple policy goals in a single coherent vision can create tensions between technological trajectories and pose governance challenges (especially in the short- to medium-term). This study takes a brief stock of the variegated AF&P landscape of India and through wide stakeholder interviews identifies three significant governance challenges. It is argued that addressing these would require shifting from the governance paradigm based on linear management of clearly structured problems towards a more reflexive approach. Based on the principles of reflexive governance and transition management, a reiterative governance framework is proposed.
• Investigating Autonomous Vehicle Readiness of Cities: a Structured Text and Content AnalysisLukovics, Miklós; 10.3217/978-3-99161-033-5-014The process of urban integration of autonomous vehicles is posing increasing challenges for many cities today. Based on the growing number of autonomous vehicle tests on urban roads, it seems that the urban presence of these vehicles requires only minimal preparation from cities. However, their widespread adoption, integration, and effective and safe operation at the urban level require substantial preparation. Various studies have explored the key factors influencing AV readiness using different methods such as backcasting, online surveys, and expert interviews. However, the added value of our work lies in synthesizing these individual findings through software-supported structured text and content analysis using MaxQDA 2023 software. Based on the results, nine main factors and twenty-seven key elements that could be crucial in supporting the future mass adoption of autonomous vehicles in urban areas are identified. The paper seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of urban autonomous vehicle readiness and the identification of measures necessary to achieve it1. Representing the 27 key determinants with indicators offers a great opportunity for further research, thereby urban autonomous vehicle readiness could be measured based on this synthesized framework.
• Integrating strategies for Budapest and Lisbon's sustainable, healthy, and resilient food systems. Lessons learned and steps forwardPózner, Vanda; Balázs, Bálint; Bánsági, Éva; Oliveira, Rosário; Capitão, Carolina; Feteira-Santos, Rodrigo; Santos, Osvaldo; 10.3217/978-3-99161-033-5-015This work relies on the experiences gathered from urban food planning policy design in two European city regions, Lisbon and Budapest, considering urban and periurban food production landscapes as the basis for systemic approaches. Data analysis comprised four complementary approaches: 1, a desk research phase (narrative literature review and historical analysis of food policies affecting the city regions); 2, qualitative interviewing with different groups of stakeholders (including, for instance, city administration representatives); 3, city-regional and district-level food environment mapping activities with representative stakeholders, with a considerable proportion of vulnerable groups from two neighbourhoods; and 4, two workshops extending to a visioning, system understanding and a strategic planning phase. Results suggest different ways and derives to integrate local food policy measures into current planning policies. Although food policies and planning are best done through integrated approaches holistically addressing multiple purposes and potentially conflicting urban planning agendas and strategies, they are a rarity for many reasons. Nevertheless, it will be pointed out how currently available urban planning practices can enable a food planning policy and strategy that integrates social, economic, cultural, climate, and biodiversity-related policies. Current good practices for innovative urban planning policy measures will be discussed using the FoodCLIC project’s assessment framework, proposing an integrated approach to transform urban food systems and environments in the European food transition framework.
• Navigating Future Skills: The FOUNDING LAB Experience in Shaping the University of the FuturePfeifer, Maria; Sipos, Regina; Weiss, Anna; 10.3217/978-3-99161-033-5-016This paper introduces the FOUNDING LAB, an interdisciplinary, futuresoriented educational initiative designed to enhance students' skills and competencies for addressing complex global challenges through art, social sciences and technology. It brought together students from various disciplines, backgrounds, and countries to collaborate on projects that blended artistic and technical elements, fostering critical thinking, empathy, and creativity. The program offered students opportunities to engage with experts and mentors from leading institutions in media art and innovation. The design, implementation, and evaluation of the program were based on participant feedback and project analysis. The paper aims to demonstrate how the program enhanced futures literacy, a crucial 21st-century skill, along with interdisciplinary knowledge, communication, collaboration, and ethical reflection. Additionally, the challenges and limitations of the program were identified. The FOUNDING LAB set a precedent for a higher education model prioritizing questioning, experimentation, and cocreation for transformative learning.